What to Do After Closing on a House: Essential Steps for New Homeowners
What to Do After Closing on a House?
After closing on a house, there are several important steps to take.
First, store all closing documents in a secure place for future reference.
It is also wise to consider changing the locks on your doors and reprogramming keypads for added security.
Contact utility companies in advance to set up services for move-in day.
Don’t forget to request mail forwarding through the United States Postal Service, and change your address with various providers such as insurance, subscription companies, and gym membership.
Notify the Department of Motor Vehicles of your new address online.
Consider scheduling a deep cleaning or hiring a company for this service before moving in.
Keep copies of all signed documents in a secure location.
Lastly, set up utility services in advance of move-in day and update your address with insurance providers, subscription companies, gym membership, medical providers, credit card companies, banks, and your employer.
Key Points:
- Store all closing documents in a secure place for future reference
- Change locks and reprogram keypads for added security
- Contact utility companies to set up services for move-in day
- Request mail forwarding and change address with various providers
- Notify Department of Motor Vehicles of new address online
- Consider scheduling a deep cleaning or hiring a company before moving in
Did You Know?
1. In some cultures, it is considered good luck to bury a statue of a St. Joseph upside down in your yard after closing on a house, as it is believed to help sell the previous property and bring blessings to the new one.
2. The tradition of housewarming parties dates back to ancient times when guests would bring firewood as a gift. This was to help warm up the house and symbolize good fortune for the new homeowners.
3. After closing on a house, it is recommended to change all the locks, including the garage and any outdoor storage spaces. This ensures that you have full control over who has access to your property and adds an extra layer of security.
4. Many homeowners choose to immediately take a picture of their new house and hang it on a wall inside their home. It is believed that this act symbolizes putting down roots, creating a sense of belonging, and inviting positive energy into the new space.
5. Some believe that planting a fruit tree shortly after moving into a new home can bring prosperity and good fortune. In addition to providing delicious fruits, the tree symbolizes growth, stability, and a sense of permanence in the new living space.
Securely Store Closing Documents
After closing on a house, securely store all the closing documents in a safe place. These documents include the deed, mortgage, title insurance policy, and any other legal paperwork related to the purchase of your new home. Keeping these documents safe is important for future reference, potential tax deductions, or even in case of any legal disputes that may arise.
Consider the following options for storing your closing documents:
- Fireproof safe: A fireproof safe is a secure option for storing important documents, providing protection against fire and other potential disasters.
- Safety deposit box: Another secure option is to keep the documents in a safety deposit box at your local bank. This ensures their safety and gives you easy access whenever needed.
In addition, it is recommended to make digital copies of these documents and store them securely on a password-protected computer or cloud storage service. This provides an extra layer of protection against physical loss or damage.
Remember to keep the closing documents for a minimum of seven years, or as required by your local regulations. Keeping them organized and easily accessible can save you time and hassle in the future. In case you need to refer to these documents, having them securely stored will give you peace of mind and prevent any potential loss or damage.
To summarize, follow these steps for securely storing your closing documents:
- Store the original documents in a fireproof safe or a safety deposit box at your local bank.
- Make digital copies and store them securely on a password-protected computer or cloud storage service.
- Keep the documents for a minimum of seven years or as required by your local regulations.
“Securely storing your closing documents is crucial for future reference and protection against potential loss or damage.”
Change Locks And Keypads
One of the first things you should consider after closing on a house is changing the locks on your doors and reprogramming any keypads or security codes. While the previous owners may have been trustworthy, it is always a good idea to start fresh with new locks and security measures. By doing so, you can ensure that you have full control over who has access to your new home.
Hiring a professional locksmith to change the locks is recommended, as they have the expertise and equipment to do it efficiently and correctly. Additionally, if your new home has keyless entry keypads or smart locks, make sure to reprogram them with your own codes for added security. Taking these steps will provide you with peace of mind knowing that you have taken necessary measures to protect your new home and loved ones.
Set Up Utility Services
Contacting utility companies well in advance is crucial to ensure that your new home is set up with essential services such as electricity, water, gas, internet, and cable. Reach out to these companies before your move-in day to schedule the activation of services and avoid any inconvenience.
It is also a good idea to inquire about any service transfer fees or security deposits that may be required.
Make a list of all the utility providers you need to contact and gather relevant account numbers or identification details. Some utility companies may require proof of home ownership or a copy of the closing documents, so be prepared to provide these as well.
By setting up utility services in advance, you can ensure a smooth transition and the availability of essential services as soon as you move into your new home.
Update Address With Various Providers
After closing on a house, it’s important to update your address with various providers to ensure that important documents, bills, and subscriptions reach you at your new residence.
Start by notifying the United States Postal Service to forward your mail to your new address. This can be easily done online or by visiting your local post office.
In addition to the postal service, you should also update your address with insurance providers, subscription companies, your gym membership, medical providers, credit card company, banks, and your employer. This will ensure that you receive important correspondence, bills, and payments promptly.
Taking the time to update your address with all relevant parties will help avoid any miscommunications or delays in receiving important information. It is also a good opportunity to review your subscriptions and services and make any necessary changes or cancellations.
- Notify the United States Postal Service
- Update address with insurance providers
- Update address with subscription companies
- Update address with gym membership
- Update address with medical providers
- Update address with credit card company
- Update address with banks
- Update address with employer
Schedule Post-Move-In Maintenance
Once you have closed on your new home and moved in, it is essential to prioritize post-move-in maintenance tasks to ensure that your home remains in good condition. Consider scheduling a deep cleaning of the property or hiring a professional cleaning company to thoroughly clean all areas of the house.
In addition to cleaning, there are various maintenance projects to consider. Power washing the house’s exterior can help restore its curb appeal and remove any dirt or grime. Improving the landscaping, such as trimming bushes and planting new flowers, can also enhance the overall appearance of your new home.
Other tasks include painting interior walls, servicing HVAC systems, changing air filters, cleaning windows and doors, testing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and cleaning air vents. By addressing these maintenance tasks early on, you can create a comfortable and welcoming environment in your new home and prevent any potential issues from escalating.
after closing on a house, there are several essential steps that new homeowners should take. Securing and storing closing documents, changing locks and keypads, setting up utility services, updating addresses with different providers, and scheduling post-move-in maintenance are all crucial tasks to ensure a smooth transition and maintain the condition of your new home. By following these steps, you can start your journey as a homeowner on the right foot and have peace of mind knowing that you have taken necessary precautions and prepared your new home for a comfortable and enjoyable living experience.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What do do after closing?
After the closing, it is important to securely store all closing documents in a safe place for future reference. Additionally, changing the locks is a crucial step to ensure the safety and security of your new home. Setting up utility services, such as electricity, water, and internet, is essential for a seamless transition into your new residence. Remember to change your address and update your driver’s license to ensure that your mail and identification are sent to the correct location. It is also advisable to schedule a deep cleaning of your new home to start with a fresh and clean slate. Lastly, creating a home maintenance to-do list will help you stay organized and prioritize tasks for the upkeep of your new property.
What’s the final step after a successful closing?
After a successful closing, the final step entails tying up loose ends and transferring ownership of the property. This typically involves submitting the signed closing documents to the appropriate county office for recordation. Once the documents are recorded, the transaction is officially complete, ensuring a smooth transition of the property from seller to buyer and providing legal protection for both parties involved. Additionally, this step helps establish a clear chain of title for future reference and any potential disputes that may arise.
What to do when you get the keys to your new house?
After receiving the keys to your new house, one of the most crucial tasks is to arrange a lock change. Owning a new property means you cannot guarantee that there aren’t any spare keys in the possession of unknown individuals. To ensure your peace of mind and sole access to your home, it is highly recommended to have the locks changed soon after obtaining the keys. This simple step will provide you with the security and confidence of being the only one able to enter your new abode.
Furthermore, apart from changing the locks, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with the property and its surroundings. Take the time to explore the neighborhood, locate essential services, and introduce yourself to your neighbors. Engaging in these initial steps can not only enhance your overall experience of settling into your new home but also contribute to establishing a sense of community and security. By taking these small but meaningful actions, you can embrace your new residential journey with peace of mind.
What are the steps in making an offer?
In order to make an offer on a house, there are several important steps to follow. Firstly, it is crucial to get pre-approved for a mortgage, as this will give you a clear understanding of your budget and what you can afford. Once you have determined your financial capability, the next step is to find the right home that suits your needs and preferences. After you have identified the perfect property, you should calculate how much to offer based on its value and market conditions. Additionally, it’s important to consider contingencies and decide on your earnest money offer, which serves as a deposit to show your serious intent to purchase.
Once these initial steps are completed, you can proceed to write your initial offer, where you outline the terms and conditions of the purchase. This offer can then be negotiated with the seller, focusing on the price and other relevant terms. Once you have reached an agreement, the final step is to formalize and sign the contract, solidifying the terms of the sale and officially making your offer binding. By following these steps, you can navigate the process of making an offer on a house successfully.